“Seek and master the challenge”
meet João!
In outer space, in the air or on earth – João Lousada seeks challenges and explores ways to master them through technology, human ingenuity and an adventurous spirit. Since 2019, the aerospace engineer works as flight director for Columbus, the European multipurpose laboratory of the International Space Station (ISS). Based in Oberpfaffenhofen, Munich, João Lousada manages and coordinates operations within the ISS module and is responsible for the astronauts’ safety on board, demonstrating leadership skills and extensive knowledge on a daily basis.
As a commander and analog astronaut for the Austrian Space Forum (ÖWF), João Lousada conducts experiments preparing for future human and robotic Mars exploration missions. Together with a crew of highly skilled analog astronauts, he travels to areas on earth that are selected based on their geological and topographical similarities to Mars, from the Kaunertal glacier to the deserts of Oman.
João Lousada has received several awards for his extensive skills, leadership, and commitment, including the Young Space Leader Award from the International Astronautical Federation (IAF). He is an active member of the Human Spaceflight Committee and the Young Professionals Programme Committee of the IAF as well as an alumnus of the Space Generation Advisory Council, where he was elected regional coordinator for Europe.
As a public speaker, João Lousada inspires a wide range of audiences, from young people to companies, with fascinating topics relating to space, future missions to Mars, the work of astronauts and leadership in exceptional situations.
Would you like to find out more? Simply use the contact form to send João Lousada your enquiries for talks, interviews and more!
Extreme Conditions
Extreme environments, flight skills, strong nerves – as an analog astronaut as well as flight director with immense responsibility for the missions and safety of the astronaut crew on board of the International Space Station (ISS), João Lousada needs more than the theoretical knowledge of an aerospace engineer. For astronauts, comprehensive and versatile skills are essential in their preparation for life and work in extreme conditions. This is why João Lousada is constantly seeking challenges in the air, on the ground or under water. As a certified pilot, skydiver, mountaineer, and master SCUBA diver, he is continuously looking for new challenges and opportunities to grow.
By exploring new worlds and surpassing his own limits, João Lousada explores the fascinating ways in which technology and ingenuity enabled humankind to grow beyond its own physical capabilities. Be it by flying or by SCUBA diving – João Lousada aims to discover fascinating worlds not only in outer space, but also on planet Earth. Especially in his work as an analog astronaut, he continues to learn more about mastering technologies, procedures, approaches, and techniques that enable the exploration of new environments and therefore contribute to the future of space exploration.